One Callaway County deputy who was shot released from hospital, other deputy in serious condition

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

One of the two Callaway County Sheriff’s deputies who were shot on Monday morning during a traffic stop was released from University Hospital on Wednesday.

Cpl. Justin Bax was released. He and Deputy Gardner Pottorff were shot in the westbound lane of Interstate 70 near mile marker 139.

“Today was a good day for us, Corporal Justin Bax was released from the hospital. He is returning home,” Kent said. “He is recovering well, he had surgery on his right arm and has some wounds there, but is expected to make a full recovery.”

A Texas man, Jonathan Beason, was killed during an exchange of gunfire, according to a Monday press release from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Beason had multiple felony warrants, a sheriff’s spokeswoman said on Monday.

Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Crystal Kent said on Wednesday that Pottorff was in serious condition, but claimed he is “doing well.”

A donation recovering fund has been set up for both deputies by the Chief Mason Griffith Foundation.

Bradley German, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said the shooting is being investigated by the Division of Drug and Crime Control. When the investigation is complete, the case file will be forwarded to the Callaway County prosecuting attorney.